E-paper display draws on child's toy The idea behind the Magna Doodle has been given a new lease of life by scientists in Japan, who have created an electronic-paper version that could be used as a large interactive display for classrooms.

Plant-inspired plastics take shape Shape-shifting plastics which respond to external stimuli, similar to how Venus flytraps ensnare prey and touch-me-nots fold their leaves inwards when touched, have come a step closer thanks to a new polymer.

Ultrasound test echoes with battery charge Researchers in the US have shown that ultrasound echoes can indicate density changes to provide a simple and non-invasive method for measuring charge within any battery.